Letters to the Editor: California takes a long time to count ballots. Why that's a good thing

To the editor: Yes, California takes longer than other states to count ballots, as a letter writer points out . There are three reasons for this.

First, mail-in ballots are accepted up to seven days after the election as long as they are postmarked by election day. In Texas, mail-in ballots must be received by Election Day or, if postmarked on election day, the following day. In Florida, mail-in ballots must be received by election day.

Second, California's population is larger than Florida by 17 million, and larger than Texas by about 9 million.

Third, California encourages voting. Florida and Texas work to limit voting, thereby discouraging turnout.

Increased voter participation is worth a delay in receiving results.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

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